Product Description

USA made OptiMSM® is the world’s finest methylsulfonylmethane, a proprietary and patented form of pharmaceutical-grade MSM, four times distilled for 99.9% purity, and the ONLY brand whose wide range of benefits are backed by published U.S. research.

Also known as Sulfonyl sulfur, MSM is in the fluid and tissues of all living organisms and in many plant and animal foods. It is also known by several other names such as DMSO2, MSM, methylsulfonylmethane and methyl sulfone. MSM, in its purified form, can be described as an odorless, tasteless, white, water soluble, crystalline solid.

MSM provides raw materials the body needs. MSM is an element that occurs widely in nature that is pure, organic, non-toxic, and non-metallic. It's an analog of the compound dimethysulfoxide, and is 34% elemental sulfur by weight, making it one of the richest sources of sulfur. As one of the most abundant element in all living organisms, sulfur is found in more than 150 types of bodily compounds, from enzymes and tissues to hormones and antioxidants. It's also a component of structural protein, the type found in hair, skin, and joints. Sulfur also occurs in connective tissue, and is in a key structural component known as collagen, which in turn helps form cartilage.

MSM is a well-known supplement used for numerous conditions including pain, inflammation, allergies, arthritis, and in maintaining normal levels of keratin in hair, skin and nails. MSM is claimed to have remarkable pain-relief power owing to the fact that it's a relative of DMSO, another more well-known prescription sulfur compound that's long been said to relieve pain. Topically, veterinarians use it to relieve muscle pain and inflammation in horses. Until recently there have only been few studies on MSM, and a lot of the reports on the benefits of MSM supplement had been anecdotal. However, there have been new findings that MSM supplements are indeed beneficial, particularly in arthritis and seasonal allergic rhinitis.

MSM serves as an important source of bioavailable dietary sulfur, an element necessary for healthy cartilage and liver detoxification processes. It is an vital component of proteins found throughout the body, such as in hair, nails, skin and tendons. MSM is found in small amounts in everyone's blood and it is also found in many foods. Like other sulfur compounds, dietary MSM is a necessary building block for proteins, especially those found in the hair, muscles, and connective tissue of the joints and skin. Sulfur is also needed in insulin hormone and bile acid. MSM, taken orally, is able to cross the blood brain barrier.

Also called "organic sulfur," MSM, has found its use in medicine since MSM is a rich source of sulfur which is required to synthesize other chemicals in the body. It is widely used around the world for relief of pain from arthritis, back pain or muscle pain, chronic pain, arthritis, joint inflammation, rheumatoid arthritis, osteoporosis, bursitis, tendonitis, tenosynovitis, musculoskeletal pain, muscle cramps, scleroderma, scar tissue, stretch marks, wrinkles, protection against sun/wind burn, eye inflammation, oral hygiene, periodontal disease, wounds, cuts, and abrasions/accelerated wound healing. It is either taken orally or topically for these uses.

Other clinical applications of MSM include eye inflammation, mucous membrane inflammation, temporomandibular joint (TMJ) problems, leg cramps, migraine, headaches, hangover, parasitic infections of the intestinal and urogenital tracts including Trichomonas vaginalis and Giardia, yeast infections, insect bites, radiation poisoning, and to strengthen the immune system. MSM is also used to help manage and treat snoring. In fact, directions for making MSM nose drops for snoring have been published, although more studies are still needed to support as evidence that MSM has any effect on snoring. Contrary to some MSM promotional literature, there is no Recommended Dietary Allowance (RDA) for MSM or sulfur, which it contains. Sulfur deficiency has not been described in the medical literature, since it can be easily derived from many high protein dietary sources.

MSM is often referred to as a "penetrant." Because it can make the walls of cells become more "permeable." This means that the cells can more easily eliminate garbage that is constantly being created inside the cell, and the cell can also absorb nutrients more easily. This attribute of being able to "increase permeability" of cells explains its ability to relieve pain. Since pain is caused by the accumulation of toxic buildup in the joints, muscles and fluids, and MSM is a powerful detoxifier by virtue of making cells more "permeable, that’s what makes MSM effective in alleviating pain caused by toxic buildups in those areas.

As we get older, the supply of sulfur in the body significantly decreases. One study has shown that arthritic cartilage contains only one-third of the sulfur concentration compared to that of healthy cartilage. MSM is often considered the safest donor of methyl groups and sulfur, as it does not leave any toxic molecule residue behind.

OptiMSM® is manufactured in Washington by Bergstrom Nutrition (formerly Cardinal Nutrition) at a facility that Bergstrom owns and is dedicated only for making MSM. Being a closed system, things like temperature and humidity are more controlled and theirs is a more consistent product from lot to lot. Their plant is NNFA GMP certified. They also obtain their DMSO from any number of countries. OptiMSM® is also certified as pure and free of contaminants and heavy metals. Dr. Stanley Jacob, one of the authors of The Miracle of MSM: The Natural Solution for Pain, has given his endorsement to the OptiMSM® brand.

Suggested Dosage:

The commonly recommended dose for MSM varies, but a dose of between 2 and 3 grams taken 2 or 3 times per day is commonly advised. This dosing schedule would translate to a total MSM consumption of between 4 and 9 grams per day. Your maximally beneficial dose will vary according to your individual needs. Some individuals find a dose of 5 or 10 grams per day sufficient while others require much higher doses of between 10 or 20 grams per day. For osteoarthritis, 500 mg three times daily up to 3 grams twice daily is recommended.

Nutritionists recommend a daily intake of 4 to 20 grams a day. This is equal to about one to five level teaspoons. MSM can be taken in higher doses (21 to 40 grams), but only under a doctor's supervision, due to its blood thinning effects. One level teaspoon will supply approximately 3696 milligrams, or just about 4 grams for the bulk density of this MSM powder.

This product dissolves quickly in water and has a slightly bitter taste, but not bad at all. Just mix your usual dose with water or citrus juice and drink.

Potential Side Effects:

MSM is rated as one of the least toxic substances in biology and medicine, comparable to water. There have been over 30 years worth of research studies done at the Oregon Health Science University in Portland, Oregon, as well as numerous other research facilities. They have determined that the LD-50 rating (lethal dose) of MSM is comparable to that of water. As such, no side effects have been reported with the use of MSM. It should be noted however, that MSM may have a mild blood thinning effect, so people taking high doses of blood thinning medication may require a lower dose of these substances and are recommended to consult with their doctor before using MSM as a nutritional supplement. Also, though generally a desired effect, MSM will cause your hair and fingernails to grow at a faster rate, and it has been reported to give people a sudden increase in energy.